In this special episode of WP Product Talk, hosts Matt Cromwell, Amber Hinds, and Katie Keith kick off Seasons 6 and 7 by discussing how to choose the right digital product to build. They emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research, identifying gaps in the market, and leveraging insights gained from prior agency work or client requests. The conversation includes sharing personal experiences on product ideation and the potential advantages of entering crowded markets with a unique take. The episode sets the groundwork for a structured approach to building WordPress products over the upcoming seasons.

Show Notes

Importance of Research

Conducting thorough research on existing solutions is crucial before developing a new product. This helps identify gaps in the market, evaluate competitors, and discover ways to differentiate the forthcoming product. Paying for access to competitors’ solutions can offer valuable insights.

Product Ideas from Agency Work

Many product ideas stem from experiences in agency work. Engaging with clients can reveal repeated needs or gaps that the market hasn't addressed yet, allowing developers to create solutions that serve a broader audience.

Crowded Markets Can Be Beneficial

Entering a crowded market isn't always a disadvantage. If a developer can provide a unique solution or improved functionality in a space with existing products, they can meet the demand for better options, as evidenced by a number of successful plugins.

Focus on Pain Points

Identifying and addressing specific pain points that users experience with current solutions can lead to the creation of successful products. Listening to feedback from potential users helps refine product ideas and ensures that they meet actual needs.

Iterative Prototyping

Employing a rapid prototyping approach to quickly test out product ideas can be beneficial. The ‘3-3-3’ principle encourages developers to create small prototypes, gradually expand upon them, and test for market interest before fully committing to development.